In Georgia, drug crimes are considered very serious offenses. The consequences for possessing even a small amount of an illegal substance can be severe, making it vital to have the guidance of a local attorney if faced with such charges.
A Griffin drug lawyer can help you understand your charges and prepare a detailed and thorough defense. A skilled defense attorney can fight to secure a plea deal that avoids jail time and refute every part of the charge on your behalf. To learn more, give us a call today.
State law provides a drug schedule that outlines which substances are considered illegal. It is unlawful to possess any amount of any drug from this list, including marijuana and prescription medications for which a person does not have a valid doctor’s script. The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-13-30 describes how it is not only illegal to possess these drugs, but also prohibited to manufacture or sell the drugs.
Special rules apply to the possession of hard drugs like heroin and other opiates. For instance, Georgia law treats the possession of at least four grams of heroin as drug trafficking, which carries a penalty of five years minimum in jail and a fine of $50,000 whereas someone charged with possessing 28.01 grams of heroin faces a fine of $500,000 and a minimum of 25 years in prison.
It is important to note that it is the quantity of the illegal drugs that determines whether a person is charged with unlawful possession or trafficking. An experienced drug lawyer in Griffin can help an individual understand the exact charges they are facing and work with them to develop a tailored defense.
The Official Code of Georgia Annotated § 16-13-30 describes the potential penalties for possession of illegal drugs. The exact punishments are varied, but generally correspond to the amount and type of drugs found. Having less than one gram of a Schedule I narcotic carries a mandatory minimum sentence of one year with the possibility of up to three years in prison. The sentence is eligible for probation. Felony possession of marijuana can lead to up to ten years in prison. A local attorney is familiar with the drug penalties in Griffin and can assess your case to determine which laws apply.
O.C.G.A. § 16-13-31 describes the potential penalties for drug trafficking. These laws are more severe than those regarding possession, as trafficking involves possession of a certain amount of the prohibited drug. Convictions for marijuana charges carry a minimum of five years in prison, and possessing over 400 grams of cocaine carries a minimum of 25 years.
Regardless of the drug charges you face, a Griffin drug lawyer is here to help. This includes representing your interests during all court sessions, questioning the admissibility of evidence, and cross-examining witnesses at trial to raise concerns about their truthfulness before juries.
All drug cases are serious matters, and an attorney will strive to put forward the best possible defense for your specific circumstances. Schedule your free initial consultation today to get started.
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
J. Ryan Brown Law, LLC
